Further translation by
Ayako Nakamura @YHIFG FB: #1, #2 and shared by yuzusorbet tumblr.
Yuzuru Hanyu:
I have had the opportunity to participate as an actor for the first time in this movie, “My Lord, it is the interest!” which is about the people of the Sendai Domain. It takes place during the Edo Period. I played the part of Lord Datte. Unlike figure skating, there was nobody to choreograph my moves for me, and I had to think about how to move as I recited my lines. This was very difficult, and I was nervous when we were shooting my parts. However, it was a lot of fun because I was given the opportunity to interact with these wonderful actors and was able to experience first hand what it’s like to be involved in the production of a movie. We shot the movie last summer.
I think I learned some things from this experience which I have been able to use to improve the artistry in my competitive programs, programs for ice shows as well as my exhibition numbers. The plot is based on a true story. I had no idea there was such a wonderful story from my home prefecture, Miyagi. I have done my best to convey the contradictory attributes of my character which is a blend of authority and kindness. I hope you enjoy the movie!
Sadao Abe (actor):
They wouldn’t tell us who was playing the part of the Lord, and the actors were all speculating who it would be. Never in our wildest dreams did we think it would be Yuzuru Hanyu-san. We never saw him until the day of the shooting and he was already dressed and ready. He had all his lines memorized perfectly and he was wonderful. Ordinary people were not supposed to look at their Lord directly and they would have been told that their *head was too high*, but I couldn’t help but stare at him smiling the whole time. (laughter) He was beautiful. (laughter). I don’t think he wears a lot when he’s performing on the ice, but he had to wear a full Haori Hakama (the Kimono) and even wear a wig. It must have been really hot/warm! He never complained despite the fact that we had to keep doing numerous takes. He left me with the impression that he is a world class athlete.
Yoshihiro Nakamura (Director):
Because we cast illustrious actors and actresses, we needed someone who would be convincing playing the part of their “Lord=someone above and beyond them”. This was difficult and it took a long time for us to find the right person for this. Finally, someone suggested we cast Yuzuru Hanyu. Hanyu-san was undoubtedly someone who would have been perceived by anyone as someone ‘above and beyond’ everyone, and an added bonus was that he was from Miyagi Prefecture. We felt that, in his past, his ancestors might have had something to do with Lord Date. The way he moved and comported himself as well, his clear voice, and his piercing stare was perfect for this role, and he played it in a very convincing manner. Let me add that *our* Lord of the Sendai Clan has conquered not only Sendai, but all of Japan and even the world, so we were very lucky to be able to cast him. I felt it was too much of an honour that he agreed to do this for us.
Fumitsugu Ikeda (Producer):
I’ve heard that it was pretty much impossible for normal town folk to meet their Lord during the Edo Period. However, it is recorded in writing that Lord Date met the citizens of Yoshiokajuku. How surprised were these ordinary townsfolk when their Lord showed up in person?
Yuzuru Hanyu’s presence was so striking that it even stunned Sadao Abe and the all star cast of character actors from his guild. The Director blurted out that Hanyu-san must be an actor. We didn’t think it would be possible to get Hanyu-san to play this role and we sent the offer thinking it would be rejected. However as a result of our (crazy idea) our national hero has agreed to grace the silver screen. His presence was so overwhelming it even left our top class actors somewhat stunned.
This casting was a closely kept secret until the day of the shoot. You should have seen their faces, when he entered the area, after we had finished rehearsals, in his elegant and stunning wardrobe. The faces of the actors must have looked just like those of the townsfolk when their Lord showed up unexpectedly.
This movie will make you laugh and cry. It is a period piece and true story, which didn’t see the light of day for 250 years. You can see the roots of the good behaviour of the Japanese after the earthquake, in this story.
The story unfolds in Sendai, which is Yuzuru Hanyu’s hometown. I have been told that Hanyu-san agreed to do this, if it would help Sendai in any small way. I have the utmost respect for his desire to help his hometown as well as his ability to act on this desire. On the other hand, I was also impressed by his thirst to acquire knowledge and use everything he could to further (his skating). He was asking everyone questions. I bow my head to the ‘King of the World’. [t/n. This just means the No. 1 skater, and he’s using language like this because it’s something like a pun in this context]
“My Lord, it is the interest!” is an unusual movie, but now you know who this ‘Lord’ is. Please do come to the cinemas to watch his wonderful performance.
Japanese article:
http://spice.eplus.jp/articles/37033,
http://ch.nicovideo.jp/gamelive/blomaga/ar963542
look at how crazy everyone gets already. Half of the people who want to see the movie now probably didn't know it even existed two days ago. He's not exactly bad for business, as we all know 
⛸
But why?
